French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the recent unprovoked attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran violated international law, while emphasizing that Tehran remains 'primarily responsible' for the current tensions. His remarks were reported by Al Jazeera and published on March 4, 2026.

Macron said that both the US and Israel conducted military operations outside the bounds of international law, which France cannot endorse. However, he pointed to Iran’s nuclear activities, its support for regional proxy groups, and its internal repression as reasons for assigning primary responsibility to Tehran. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has clarified that there is no evidence Iran is developing a nuclear bomb.

Analysts cited in the report suggested that Macron’s comments reflect an effort to balance France’s position between Western allies and the ongoing Middle East crisis.

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced plans to increase the number of nuclear warheads in France’s arsenal, citing global security uncertainty. Speaking on Monday at the Île Longue military base in northwestern France, where the country’s ballistic missile submarines are stationed, Macron said the current stock of fewer than 300 warheads will be expanded. He did not specify how many new warheads will be added. This marks the first planned increase in France’s nuclear stockpile since 1992.

Macron stated that the move aims to clarify France’s role in Europe’s security framework through its nuclear deterrent. He also referred to growing global threats and uncertainty surrounding U.S. security guarantees to European allies. In addition, France will allow the temporary deployment of nuclear-armed aircraft to allied countries and will collaborate with Germany and the United Kingdom on a long-range missile project to enhance strike capabilities.

Analysts cited in the report said the announcement signals a significant shift in Europe’s security policy direction.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrault announced that France is prepared to defend Gulf countries and Jordan against Iranian missile and drone attacks. In a statement on Monday, he expressed full support and solidarity with allied nations that have become targets of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and risk being drawn into conflict. Barrault specifically named Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Jordan as countries France stands ready to assist.

He emphasized France’s commitment to maintaining regional stability and ensuring the security of its allies. The minister also questioned the legitimacy of recent joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, suggesting that such use of force should have been discussed within international bodies like the United Nations. Speaking to reporters in Paris after a foreign ministry meeting, Barrault said decisions of this nature should be debated in collective frameworks such as the UN Security Council.

The statement reflects France’s dual stance of supporting regional allies while advocating for multilateral decision-making in international security matters.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrault has questioned the legality of the joint US-Israel strikes on Iran, which have entered their third day. Speaking in Paris after a meeting at the Foreign Ministry on Monday, he said that decisions involving the use of force should have been discussed within international bodies such as the United Nations. Barrault emphasized that legitimacy for such actions arises only when they are presented before the UN Security Council.

The minister’s remarks come amid growing international scrutiny of the unilateral military actions in Iran. He reiterated that the use of force must be subject to collective deliberation under established global frameworks to ensure accountability and shared responsibility. Barrault also confirmed that no French nationals have been reported injured or killed in the ongoing situation in Iran.

The statement reflects France’s call for adherence to international law and multilateral decision-making in matters of military intervention, highlighting concerns over the bypassing of the UN system.

French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed deep concern over the US-Israel attack on Iran and the escalating war-like situation surrounding the country. Speaking on February 28, 2026, he warned that such conflicts could have serious consequences for international peace and security. Macron emphasized that the current tension is dangerous for everyone and must be stopped, calling for urgent efforts to bring the situation under control.

He stated that France is taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety of its territory, citizens, and assets in the Middle East. Macron also said France is ready to deploy military and strategic resources to protect its closest partners if requested. His remarks came amid growing regional instability following the attacks.

Meanwhile, Pakistan, Norway, and Belgium have voiced strong concern and criticism over the situation, urging diplomatic solutions to prevent further escalation.

French football legend Zinedine Zidane is reportedly close to fulfilling his long-held dream of coaching the France national team. According to French media reports, the French Football Federation (FFF) has reached a verbal agreement with Zidane for him to take charge after the 2026 World Cup. The change would mark a major shift in French football, with Zidane expected to succeed current coach Didier Deschamps once the tournament concludes.

Zidane, who led France to its first World Cup title in 1998 and another final in 2006, has also enjoyed a highly successful coaching career. He last managed Real Madrid in two separate stints between 2016–2018 and 2019–2021, winning 11 major trophies, including three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles. Despite receiving an offer to coach the United States national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Zidane reportedly declined it.

The reports suggest Zidane’s appointment could bring a new era for French football, combining his legacy as a player with his proven coaching success at the club level.

The Paris prosecutor’s office has announced the formation of a special team of magistrates to examine possible involvement of French citizens in cases related to convicted U.S. sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. According to AFP, the initiative follows the appearance of several prominent French names in Epstein’s circle. The new team will work with prosecutors and police from the national financial crimes unit to determine whether to open investigations against suspected French nationals.

Officials said the team will also revisit the case of Jean-Luc Brunel, who died in custody in 2022 after being accused of raping minors. Investigations had found Brunel to be a close associate of Epstein, allegedly exploiting poor young women under the guise of modeling opportunities. At least ten women have accused him. New allegations are also being reviewed against French diplomat Fabrice Aidan, a modeling agent, and a music director.

Following the release of Epstein-related documents, former French minister Jack Lang resigned, denying wrongdoing and calling the accusations false. Financial prosecutors have opened a preliminary inquiry into Lang and his daughter for tax evasion and money laundering.

Paris Saint-Germain suffered a surprising 3-1 defeat to coachless Rennes in a Ligue 1 match at Roazhon Park on February 14, 2026. The defending champions, led by Luis Enrique, entered the game on a seven-match winning streak, while Rennes had gone five games without a win and had dismissed head coach Habib Beye earlier in the week. Despite dominating possession with 69 percent and taking 17 shots, PSG failed to convert effectively as Rennes capitalized on counterattacks.

Jordanian midfielder Musa Al Tamari opened the scoring for Rennes in the 33rd minute, followed by Esteban Lepel’s header to double the lead. Former Rennes player Ousmane Dembélé pulled one back for PSG, but Breel Embolo’s late goal sealed the home side’s victory. After the match, Dembélé admitted PSG started poorly and praised Rennes’ performance, emphasizing the need for more teamwork.

This third league defeat could cost PSG their top spot. With 51 points from 22 matches, they remain first for now, but second-placed Lens, on 49 points from 21 games, can overtake them with a win against Paris FC. Rennes climbed to fifth with 34 points from 22 matches.

French President Emmanuel Macron has called on the European Union to become a geopolitical power by focusing on long-term strategic objectives. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference on Friday, he said Europe must enhance its offensive capabilities and assess how France’s nuclear capacity can align with the EU’s future security framework.

Macron rejected claims that Europe’s influence is declining, saying it is time for courage and for building a stronger Europe. He criticized U.S. trade and foreign policies toward Europe, emphasizing that the continent must demonstrate determination in defending its own interests. He urged EU member states to continue discussions on developing independent thinking and collective action.

Macron also stressed the need to rebuild Europe’s security architecture and clarify its nuclear deterrence strategy, underscoring his vision of a more self-reliant and strategically unified Europe.

Hundreds of people gathered in Paris, France, to demonstrate solidarity with the peoples of Palestine, Haiti, Venezuela, New Caledonia, Congo, and Sudan. The protest took place at Place de la Nation, where participants denounced discrimination and oppression faced by these communities. The demonstration was organized following calls from various civic organizations, according to Anadolu Agency.

Protesters carried banners reading “Boycott Israel” and waved flags representing the six nations. Members of France’s Yellow Vest movement also joined the rally, adding to the diverse group of participants. The event reflected a broader expression of international solidarity with populations perceived as victims of injustice and repression.

The gathering highlighted continued public engagement in France with global human rights issues and solidarity movements, particularly concerning Palestine and other regions experiencing political or humanitarian crises.

Jack Lang, former French culture minister, resigned as president of the Arab World Institute following revelations of his past contacts with Jeffrey Epstein and the launch of a financial investigation, France’s Foreign Ministry confirmed on Saturday. The country’s financial crimes prosecutors have opened a preliminary probe into Lang and his daughter Caroline for alleged laundering of aggravated tax-fraud proceeds related to suspected financial ties with Epstein. Lang, 86, was summoned by Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot for a meeting on Sunday after pressure mounted over the case.

French media reported that Lang had sought funds or favors from Epstein, while his daughter’s name appeared in files of an offshore company co-owned with the late financier. Caroline Lang, a film producer, resigned from her role as head of the Independent Production Union. Lang denied any knowledge of Epstein’s crimes and described the allegations as baseless, saying he faced the investigation with serenity.

The release of Epstein-related documents has triggered repercussions across Europe, prompting resignations and investigations involving public figures in the United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden, Slovakia, and several Baltic states.

French authorities have issued warrants against two Franco-Israeli citizens suspected of involvement in genocide for allegedly obstructing humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza. The warrants, issued in July last year, target Nili Kupfer-Naouri of the group Israel Is Forever and Rachel Touitou of the group Tsav 9. They are accused of attempting to block aid trucks at the Nitzana and Kerem Shalom border crossings between January and November 2024. The suspects have been asked to appear before an investigating magistrate but have not been ordered arrested.

An NGO lawyer involved in the case described the move as unprecedented, marking the first time a country has launched an investigation into potential complicity in genocide through obstruction of humanitarian aid. Kupfer-Naouri’s lawyer said their actions were peaceful protests against aid being diverted by Hamas and other groups. Touitou defended her actions on social media, while Kupfer-Naouri called the French probe “anti-Semitic hysteria.”

The complaint was filed by Palestinian human rights groups, including Al-Haq and Al-Mezan. Sources indicated that up to ten more individuals could face similar warrants, while separate war crimes cases involving Franco-Israeli soldiers remain ongoing in France.

French authorities rescued more than 6,000 migrants attempting to reach the United Kingdom by small boats in 2025, according to a report from France’s maritime prefecture released on Friday. The report confirmed that at least 25 people died and two remained missing during these perilous journeys across the English Channel.

The annual report stated that despite the risks, attempts to cross the Channel increased compared to previous years. France has long served as a main departure point for migrants seeking better lives in the UK. In 2025, about 50,000 people tried to make the crossing in 795 boats, with 6,177 rescued alive. Based on French and British data, AFP estimated the death toll could be at least 29.

The prefecture warned that human traffickers are putting migrants in greater danger, noting that the average number of passengers per boat rose from 26 in 2021 to 63 in 2025. The report also mentioned continued use of so-called “taxi boats,” which secretly depart nearly empty and later pick up dozens of migrants in shallow waters.

France’s National Assembly has passed a bill aiming to ban social media use for children under 15, seeking to protect them from excessive screen time and its negative effects. The bill, strongly supported by President Emmanuel Macron, was approved after a lengthy session from Monday to Tuesday night and will now move to the Senate for further approval. Macron described the measure as a major step forward in safeguarding French youth.

The proposed law also includes restrictions on mobile phone use in high schools. If enacted, France would become the second country after Australia to impose such strict limits on minors’ social media access. The law would take effect at the start of the 2026 school year, with social media companies required to deactivate non-compliant accounts by December 31, 2025. Renaissance Party leader and former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal expressed hope that the Senate would approve the bill by mid-February.

A recent report by France’s public health agency ANSES warned that platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram negatively affect teenagers’ mental health, especially among girls. The law will exclude educational and encyclopedic platforms and introduce a European-level age verification system.

Brazilian forward Endrick, once hailed as a prodigy and the next Pelé, has reignited his career in France after a difficult spell at Real Madrid. On loan to Lyon in Ligue 1, the 19-year-old scored a hat-trick in a 5–2 victory over Metz, helping his team climb to fourth place in the standings with 36 points from 19 matches. The remaining goals came from Ruben Kluivert and Tyler Morton, while PSG lead the table with 45 points.

Endrick opened the scoring in the 11th minute, added a second in first-half stoppage time, and completed his hat-trick with an 87th-minute penalty. At 19 years and 188 days, he became the youngest player in Lyon and Ligue 1 history to score a hat-trick, breaking Bernard Lacombe’s record of 19 years and 196 days. Endrick has now scored four goals and provided one assist in his first three matches for Lyon.

After the match, Endrick expressed happiness at returning to form, saying he felt comfortable and grateful to his teammates and staff for their support.